GGDs in large cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, The Hague and Eindhoven have set up special test rooms where people can be tested for the monkey pox virus. A spokesperson for the umbrella organization GGD GHOR confirms this NRCafter reporting from BNR News Radio† Some corona test locations that are no longer in use are being converted for this.
According to the GGD spokesperson, there is “no large-scale testing or special test streets” for the smallpox virus that has been circulating in Europe since this year. The GGDs follow this advice of the RIVM to minimize contact with people who come to test for the smallpox virus. Testing for monkey pox is more complicated than a corona test, because the skin has to be examined. Separate chambers are needed for this and a researcher takes longer than with a PCR test. According to BNR, the GGD of the Utrecht region does not have separate rooms, but holds a special consultation hour for patients with the monkeypox virus.
Also read: Monkeypox now also in the Netherlands. What is known about this virus?
In the Netherlands, the virus is according to the last digits of the RIVM on Monday in 352 people. Since the Thursday before, that is an increase of 64 new infections, which means that the monkeypox virus is spreading faster than in recent weeks. The virus is spreading relatively quickly, especially in Amsterdam.
The monkeypox virus is mainly transmitted through skin contact and is less contagious, and less deadly, than the more familiar smallpox virus. According to the RIVM, contamination is “usually mild”. In children and vulnerable people, an infection can be more serious.